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In the world of the shaving business, there is a black horse with multiple functions that is yet to be discovered by the majority of shaving enthusiasts called alum block.
While most don’t know yet about this item, alum block is actually not a brand-new product. In fact, the alum block has been an essential tool since ancient times — it goes back to 4,000 years ago — for its antibacterial qualities. Our ancestors used this item for many purposes: deodorants, water purifiers, and stopping bleeding.
This product has been used for more or less similar aims. Plus, it’s starting to gain back popularity as time passes by.
Even though you may not have heard about this item yet, it is not too late to get to know more about it. Moreover, it should be a fundamental component of any aftershave routine.
Interested in finding out the best features of an alum block and the best alum block based on our curation? Read on to discover more!
What is an Alum Block?
Alum block is a more-than-thousand years old tool with robust capability.
Basically, alums are chemical compounds that include a group of hydrated double salts. Alums are generally acidic, colorless, odorless, dissolvable in hot water, and have astringent effects.
People turn alums into alum blocks for easier use. An alum block is a compound or stone that looks like a stone.
When soaked with water and gently applied to the shaving region, it functions as an astringent and helps to relieve razor burn.
Also, it can help stop bleeding from minor cuts and nicks on the numerous features of the face. Plus, the antiseptic qualities of alum blocks are also utilized.
This implies that the superb alum block will refresh and cool your skin after shaving and destroy hazardous surface germs.
Benefits of an Alum Block
There are several advantages to using an alum block, including its antibacterial characteristics. Here’s the list of the benefits of an alum block:
Stop Bleeding
The first and foremost benefit of using an alum block is its coagulant capability, stopping bleeding.
Cuts and nicks will quickly cease bleeding thanks to their capacity to block blood vessels.
Walking around with open wounds is not only unhygienic, but it can also make shaving take longer than it has to. Attempting to halt and clean up the bleeding shouldn’t take more time than necessary. Therefore, applying alum block to the wounded area is recommended for a faster recovery.
Natural Astringent & Antiseptic Properties
Your pores will become tighter and soothed thanks to the astringent characteristics.
This also applies to prevent a razor burn after shaving. Moreover, if you’re already experiencing a razor burn, you can apply an alum block to the irritated area for a soothing feeling. This way, you can calm the redness and the itchy feelings afterward.
Affordable
Alum bars are inexpensive with quality as excellent as the upscale aftershave product on the market.
Once the longevity of these products is taken into account, the bars’ low price becomes even more alluring. When taken care of properly, many alum blocks on the market will last you well over a year.
An Alternative of Deodorant
Alum may also be used as a deodorant. However, we recommend using separate alum on your armpits and face to avoid cross-contamination.
Keep in mind that your armpit contains a lot of germs, and you don’t want that bacteria on your face, which is significantly more delicate — hence the different purposes.
Odorless
If you’re planning to use alum block as a deodorant, you don’t have to worry if the smell will cover the scent of your perfume or cologne. This is due to its odorless feature.
This way, you can use it as a natural alternative to deodorant for every occasion.
How to Use Alum Block
After a shaving session has ended, it is time to apply this product, but you have to ensure that your face is clean from any residue.
To use this product, run the alum block under running water for a few seconds, then apply it over your face, focusing on the areas where you’ve shaved. Alum dries rapidly, so the following step is entirely up to you. You may leave it as is or rinse it.
However, alum tends to tighten your skin so that you may feel uncomfortable after use. If you experience this, just rinse it off, and you’re good to go.
Make sure to properly dry the alum block before putting it in its plastic container. Otherwise, you risk damaging the product and being unable to use it again.
7 Best Alum Block
After going through some research, we have compiled the seven best alum block products with the best quality. If you’re looking for an alum block, this list might help you out. Read on!
Gentleman Jon Alum Block
What’s better than an affordable alum block that comes with a case? Gentleman Jon Alum Block proves that a great product doesn’t always have to be pricey. In fact, this product is our ultimate product for a value-for-money choice.
Coming in an extra large size, this product can last for a very long time — not only months but years, even during daily use.
The plastic case makes it easier to carry everywhere, even during travel. It also keeps the product clean after use.
Also, the 100% potassium alum material has the maximum quality of natural antiseptic and astringent properties. This way, you’ll get to fight razor burns, stop bleeding, prevent further irritation, and tone the skin for a refreshing feeling after shaving.
Key Features
- 100% quality potassium alum material
- Extra large size (3.7 oz) for extended use
- Comes with a storage case for a travel-friendly experience
- Able to combat razor burn, stop bleeding, and tone the skin
Barbero Alum Block
Similar to the Gentleman Jon alum block, Barbero also comes with a storage case and is made of 100% potassium alum. However, it weighs slightly lighter (3.52 oz) than the previous one.
The Barbero’s plastic case’s lid is separated from the container’s base. It actually has a top that separates from the bottom instead. But whether you’re packing it for a trip or putting it away after a shave, it protects the alum just as well.
The product is able to soothe razor burns or any other shaving irritation with its astringent properties, making it a great go-to product for every shaving session.
Key Features
- 100% best quality natural pure alum block
- Lasts for months
- Soothe shaving irritation with astringent properties
- Big block (3.52 oz)
- Compact plastic case
- Travel-friendly packaging
Osma Alum Block
Handmade in France, Osma Block is another amazing top-selling alum block product. Unfortunately, this product comes in a smaller size (2.65) than the previous two, but at a higher price.
Also, it doesn’t come with a case, so you must buy a separate case to store and bring this during travel.
However, this product still does a great job of closing razor nicks and cuts. Plus, it also soothes and cools razor burns and minimizes irritation after every use.
Key Features
- All-natural astringent that closes razor nicks
- Soothes and cools
- Handmade in France
Razorock Alum Block
Another excellent choice that is quite comparable to the Barbero and Gentleman Jon alum blocks is the Razorock alum block. It weighs 3.52 oz, similar to the Barbero one. Also, this alum is of equivalent quality.
Salts of potassium alum minerals, which are present naturally, are used to make brick by RazoRock. Because it is such a good-grade alum, it won’t disintegrate after only a few uses as cheap compressed alum would.
After using it, you should take care of it by keeping it dry and clean, but as long as you don’t drop it and store it away, it will endure for a very long time.
The small plastic shell that comes with RazoRock’s block — yes, there’s a plastic case — is thicker, so it can conveniently store your alum block.
Key Features
- Stops bleeding by sealing up nicks and wounds
- Makes the skin tight and smooth
- Reasonable price
- Includes plastic storage and travel container
The B.I.G. Alum Block
The B.I.G. Company Alum Block tightens pores, treats razor burns, and provides a pleasant cooling sensation after stopping the bleeding from nicks and cuts.
Thanks to its 3.5 oz size, this item will last you a very long time, even after daily use. On top of that, you can directly store your alum block inside the hard plastic container to make it easier to bring anywhere.
Key Features
- Soothes razor burns and stops bleeding from nicks and wounds
- A large block with a long lifespan
- Comes with a free e-book on shaving and a hard plastic storage container
- Very reasonable cost
Parker Alum Block
You might be surprised when you find out how big this alum block is; it weighs 4.4 oz! With a size this big, it’ll definitely last for years, even if you use it for daily use.
The large size helps give a tighter grip during use, so you don’t need to worry about slippage. Plus, you get a handy plastic case for convenient storage afterward.
Thanks to the item’s inherent antibacterial qualities, all nicks and cuts are effectively sealed, and bleeding is stopped.
When used, it doesn’t sting at all. Instead, it provides you with a pleasant cooling sensation that makes your skin feel clean and rejuvenated. Then, it won’t leave any salty residue on your skin.
Key Features
- Stops bleeding from nicks
- Doesn’t hurt and feels pleasant and cooling on the skin.
- 4.4 oz large size
- Lasts for a very long time.
- Comes with plastic storage and a travel bag
- Doesn’t leave any salty residue
Taylor of Old Bond Street Alum Block
Are you looking for a versatile alum block for an aftershave product and a deodorant? This product is the answer. Due to its antibacterial and antiperspirant properties, this product works well on the skin.
Its main function is to stop the bleeding from cuts caused by shaving, including nicks, scratches, and other cuts. You’ll feel cool and comforted after it has finished doing this.
If using a razor frequently irritates your skin, this product will help soothe it while also toning your skin.
Key Features
- Stops the bleeding from nicks and cuts and tones the skin
- Soothes irritability and leaves a cooling sensation
- Neither dries out the skin nor leaves a stench behind
- It can be used as an aftershave product and a deodorant
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Are alum blocks any good?
Alum block is a great natural substitute for conventional aftershave products since it can help eliminate bacteria and keep your skin refreshed. Also, it helps stop the bleeding which you may experience during shaving. Plus, it is mostly odorless and won’t leave any residue behind.
How often should you use an alum block?
Alum blocks are astringent, which means they draw moisture from the skin. So, if you have dry or sensitive skin, we do not recommend using them more frequently than twice or three times per week.
However, if you have a normal skin type, it’s safe to use it more often than twice or thrice per week.
Conclusion
Alum blocks are a great shaving accessory to finish shaving and have many benefits. Not only do they close up pores, but they also help to stop bleeding from nicks and cuts. They can also soothe razor burn and prevent ingrown hairs.
If you’re looking for the best alum block for men’s shaving, we recommend checking out Gentleman Jon Alum Block of Barbero Alum Block. They not only contain high-quality ingredients but also come in a compact plastic container, making them easier to bring during travel.
Have you tried using an alum block after shaving? What are your thoughts?
